Broncos giant set for NFL shot as fellow prop's future 'uncertain'

Brisbane Broncos giant Ben Te Kura has been granted leave from his NRL contract to pursue a potential opportunity in the NFL. The 22-year-old, standing at 205 centimeters and recognized as the tallest player in the NRL, previously took a six-week leave of absence in April to attend an NFL training camp.

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I'm very grateful to the Broncos for everything they've done to support me in pursuing an opportunity in the NFL.

At the time of his initial leave, the Broncos stated Te Kura had garnered "long-term interest from the NFL." The club indicated he would either return to training or have his absence extended to facilitate further steps toward a possible NFL career in the United States. Te Kura has had a limited NRL career since his 2024 debut, playing only five games due to injuries and has not yet featured in the NRL this season, though he has played three Queensland Cup games.

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Making my NRL debut for the Broncos against the Storm in 2024 was such an unbelievable moment for myself and my family.

Te Kura expressed gratitude to the Broncos for their support in his NFL pursuit, calling his 2024 NRL debut against the Storm an "unbelievable moment." He is now set to travel to Arizona with the aim of making an NFL roster. Football manager Troy Thomson affirmed the Broncos' support for his journey, calling it an "incredible opportunity" they felt was important to facilitate.

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This is an incredible opportunity, and one we felt was important to help facilitate.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are experiencing a seven-game losing streak and facing forward depth issues. Prop Corey Jensen's future is uncertain following a pulmonary embolism diagnosis. Jensen became unwell during round seven, and the cause of the blood clots in his lungs remains unknown. He had a previous incident of deep vein thrombosis in his calf about a year prior, both considered unprovoked.

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Everyone at the Broncos wishes Ben and his family all the very best for the future.